OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL

A bit late off the press, but yesterday I finally managed to see Oz: The Great and Powerful. To be quite honest I'm not a big cinema goer, just because the prices are extortionate, so I only actually go if I know I'm going to enjoy it. Yesterday was Wednesday, so of course we used our Orange codes, which at least helped! I loved this film, maybe mainly because of the beautiful James Franco. But I'm also a big fan of the original Judy Garland film, so I think this was a great prequel and linked with the original very nicely. In parts it was of course slightly cheesy and I would not watch this if you're a die hard "Wizard of Oz" fan. But I'm glad I braved the cold to see it!

OLIVE

So for a while now I've been following a well known blog called What Olivia Did. My personal style changes regularly. I never wear the same look day in, day out and I admire how Olivia is not afraid to do the same. I have to give this girl credit, not only does she rock the sixties Hepburn look perfectly, but she is also a connoisseur of a good breton stripe top and a casual band tee. A girl after my own heart!

It is through this blog that I have discovered the online haven that is, Olive Clothing. I think if I could I would buy everything, but seeing as I can't, I may have to stick to just that once a month splurge.

I love my jeans and wear them about 90% of the time, but I think it's easy to get yourself into the "Jean rutt". So this Spring/ Summer, (even if Spring isn't happening this year, a girl can still dream of hotter weather) I am making a conscious effort to be more graceful and ladylike. Which to me means dresses, lots and lots of dresses. I have picked my top 5 dresses from the Olive website, that are my particular favourites. The Ivory dress is my first purchase, for sure. 

Black short sleeve paisley dress - £59

Navy high waisted dotty print dress - £57

Ivory velvet trimming big collar dress - £59

Navy check shirt sleeve dress - £61

Black painting floral dress - £72

MIU MIU

I am in LOVE with the new Miu Miu Spring/ Summer 13 collection and especially their new add campaign. Miuccia Prada said herself that this season was about "trying to be elegant in a very different way." I think they have managed to capture this in a nutshell. 

DIANA'S DRESSES

On Monday 18th March, ten dresses belonging to Diana Princess of Wales, were auctioned off at a Kerry Taylor auction in London. Apparently bidders flocked from all over the world to see these pieces and hope to get their hands on them too. It is said that leading UK bidders, came from three leading Museums, so does this mean we are to see some of these in a new exhibit soon? I have my fingers and toes crossed for it. 

Overall the auction made a staggering £800,000, the highest bid went to the Viktor Edelstein midnight blue velvet evening gown. The UK bidder paid a whopping £240,000 for this exquisite piece. This was the same dress that the "People's Princess" wore when dancing with "Saturday Night Fever" star John Travolta. 

My generation is after the Diana frenzy, however I have grown up around a mother that worshipped the ground she walked on and was able to witness the spell she held over, not only the British public, but around the world. I think this auction and others similar, enable this former Princess the appreciation she deserves and the ability for the public to admire some of her most coveted items of clothing. 

All images taken from Vogue.co.uk

PARTY CONSCIOUS

H&M have extended their already successful CONSCIOUS COLLECTION, and have added a new line of party wear called CONSCIOUS EXCLUSIVE. This line includes pieces of elegant party wear, for both men and women. 

As the title entails, all of the garments will be made entirely of sustainable materials. This includes fabrics such as: Tencel, Organic cotton and even recycled polyamide. I love how versatile this collection actually is. Women not only have the choice of elegant gowns, but could also choose to sport a more masculine style and opt for the three-piece ivory suit. Whatever your style, there is something for everyone and with the added bonus of a guilt free conscience. 

H&M's Head of Design Ann-Sofie Johansson believes that "this collection has pure glamour and style" and for the H&M team 'It's natural to think about sustainability and to have it at the heart of our work." 

Here are some pieces that are my particular favourites, the black jumpsuit is a definite winner for me. 

All photos taken from Vogue.co.uk